Capacitor-Powered Volatile Memory for Secure Data Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable storage devices used in data centers face challenges in securely erasing sensitive data while transferring it between storage devices, as existing methods require user intervention or specific instructions, which can lead to data leakage outside the secure environment.
Innovation Solution
A portable storage device configured with capacitors to store data in volatile memory, which automatically erases the data when the capacitors' charge is depleted, either due to disconnection or a predetermined time period, ensuring secure destruction without user interaction, and can include additional mechanisms like geo-fencing and mechanical switches for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is stored on portable storage devices for transfer between storage devices in a data center, then data transfer capability is improved, but security risk increases due to potential data leakage outside the secure environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically erasing data on the portable storage device after a predetermined time period or upon detection of geo-fence violation, before any potential security breach can occur. This proactive approach ensures data is destroyed before it can leak outside the secure environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses geo-fencing technology to provide continuous feedback about the portable device's location. When the device moves outside the authorized data center boundaries, the system receives location feedback and automatically triggers data erasure, creating a closed-loop security mechanism.
2Reliability
If automatic data erasure is implemented on portable storage devices, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms like geo-fencing and mechanical switches
Solution Approach 1:
The portable storage device performs self-service by automatically erasing its own data without requiring external intervention. The device monitors its own location via geo-fencing and autonomously executes data destruction when security conditions are violated, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the security control logic from external systems and embeds it directly into the portable storage device itself. By integrating geo-fencing and automatic erasure capabilities into the device, the system reduces external dependency while managing complexity through consolidation.
3Extent of automation
If data is stored in volatile memory with capacitor power supply, then automatic data erasure is achieved when charge is depleted, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses volatile memory with capacitor power supply, which inherently provides short-lived data storage. When the capacitor charge depletes, the data is automatically erased without requiring additional erasure mechanisms. This approach treats the data storage as temporary and disposable, achieving automatic erasure through the natural limitations of the storage medium.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and automatic erasure of data, preventing unauthorized access and data leakage, allowing for secure reuse of the portable storage device within the data center environment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more capacitors configured to store a charge and provide current to the volatile memory independent of a connection with a computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for securely destroying data stored on a portable storage device may be provided. For example, a portable storage device includes a first memory configured to store data while a current is supplied by a second device or a capacitor of the first device. One or more capacitors of the portable device may be configured to store a charge to provide the current to the first memory. A processor that is configured to access computer-executable instructions of a second memory of the first device may provide instructions to enable transfer of the data stored in the first memory to the second device. In particular embodiments, the data stored in the first memory may be erased in response to the current no longer being provided by the second device or the one or more capacitors.